Several stars also attended
Paul O’Grady’s funeral took place near his home inn Kent on Thursday as thousands lined the streets to pay their respects to the much-loved presenter and comedian.
O’Grady, who died last month at the age of 67, was laid to rest after a private service.
Several stars were also in attendance, including the likes of Dame Sheila Hancock, Alan Carr and Julian Clary alongside thousands of mourners and pets who watched the cortege.
A horse-drawn carriage carried O’Grady’s coffin to St Rumwold’s Church in Bonnington and was followed by the comic’s husband Andre Portasio and their dog Conchita while his daughter, Sharyn Mousley, entered with a young man believed to be O’Grady’s son holding the wig of Lily Savage – the actor’s drag queen character.
Also in attendance was Ernie, a dog from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home where O’Grady filmed his ‘For the Love of Dogs’ series, to greet those arriving for the funeral.
Ali Taylor, head of canine behaviour at Battersea, said: “Ernie met Paul two years ago when he was about five weeks old. He’s met him several times. We felt he should come along today.
“We’re here to really honour Paul and everything he has done for everyone, all the different communities, and especially Battersea.”
One mourner told the BBC that O’Grady had helped to “put rehoming dogs on the map, and did so much for Battersea, for the LGBT community.”
Related links:
- Paul O’Grady’s cause of death confirmed after star died ‘unexpectedly’
- More than 90,000 people sign petition for Paul O’Grady statue
- Paul O’Grady: Comedian and TV presenter dies aged 67
- Battersea Dogs and Cats Home receives more than £110,000 following Paul O’Grady’s death
